TAPTA MUDRADHARANA: An holy ritual in Udupi Shri Krishna Temple

Udupi, located 400kms from the
city of Bangalore. The richness of this district is measured by Presence of
Lord Shri Krishna temple. The city is more calm and peace with the blessings of
Lord Shri Krishna.

Udupi Shri Krishna Temple

I and my husband, we are basically from Udupi,
residing now in Bangalore so as to suit our professional life.

Today according to Madhwa Calender
is Prathama ekadasi, Where all Vaishnavas ( VISHNU DEVOTEES) celebrate a ritual
called “TAPTA MUDRADHARANA” and fast the entire day.

Meaning of TAPTA MUDRADHARANA

TAPTA means “touched with fire”

MUDRA means “Symbol”

DHARANA means “Wearing”

What is TAPTA MUDRADHARANA?

Lord Vishnu has Chakra and Shanka
as his weapons in his hands. So this
ritual means, we the devotees of Vishnu will have Chakra and Shanka symbols in
our right and left hands.

This MUDRADHARANA is mainly called
as “Vaishnava Dheekshe” or telling “I am a vaishnava”.

Who will give us TAPTA MUDRADHARANA?

The saints of Udupi Shri Krishna
temple have the right to give MUDRA for all Vishnu devotees irrespective of
whether he or she is a Brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya or shoodra.

Early morning on this day they
perform “Sudharshana Homa”and they give
MUDRA from this fire.

How do Saints giveTAPTA MUDRADHARANA?

The saints lightly heat the metal
of Chakra and Shanka symbols with the fire of “Sudharshana homa” (Havan in Hindi) and touch it
to our arms.

For Ladies it is applied to two
hands.Whereas for men actually it
should be applied to 2 hands, 2 chests and one on their stomach.

But these days even for men it is
applied to just two hands.

Vedic History behind TAPTA MUDRADHARANA

Once Lord Indra was defeated by a
Daithya (Evil) named Vrutrasura. He came to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu
ordered Indra and his army to have symbol of Chakra and Shanka in their hands
and fight against daithyaas.

Just with MUDRADHARANA Indra won
against all Vrutrasura daithyaas.

So to this day every Vishnu
devotee following his directions started having MUDRADHARANA so as to defeat
our enemies . Enemies may be mental or
Physical.

Devotees form a queue for MUDRADHARANA in Krishna Temple, Udupi

My Experience with TAPTA MUDRADHARANA

For first time anyone would be
scared looking into the fire. That too metal rods heated and touched to your
hands. I had this when I was in class 10th for the first time.

It did not hurt me as much as I
thought. The saints really do not heat them to red hot. They simple touch them
in fire and rub in wet cloths before keeping to your hands :). I used to have it
till I completed my Engineering studies until I shifted to Bangalore.

Chakra symbol Shanka SymbolToday's mark in my mother's upper arm

It looks like a lovely Tattoo on
yours arms haha :).

Chakra Symbol Shanka Symbol Previous year Scar in my upper arms

Here in Bangalore you can have
this in Vidyapeeta. You can find kilometres of queues of devotees. Today it
started at around 6.30am. Since my son is too young I could not attend carrying
him today.

Nothing compulsory to perform this
ritual. But what I feel is , Lord has showered us all with hordes of laughters and
joy.Perform one ritual of his, he will
shower you infinite happy times.

Photography is not allowed inside
Udupi Krishna Temple and Bangalore Vidyapeeta . I got the photographs from a
Professional photographer of Udupi.